The politics of the paranormal: the relationship between paranormal beliefs and right-wing ideology

This study examined the relationship between paranormal beliefs and right-wing ideology in a German quota sample (N = 1,139). We also explored whether individual differences in intuitive versus analytical cognitive styles explain these relationships. Results indicated that higher scores on right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) and social dominance orientation (SDO), but not right-wing identity, were positively associated with paranormal beliefs. However, both right-wing ideology and intuitive versus analytical thinking independently contributed to paranormal belief endorsement. The results suggest that right-wing ideology plays an important role in understanding paranormal beliefs. While cognitive styles are also relevant, they do not explain the affinity of right-wing individuals for paranormal phenomena.